What is Phenylketonuria?

Phenylalanine is an amino acid that builds up in your body. Amino acids are blocks of proteins. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is caused by a defect in the PAH gene. PKU is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by the change in both alleles of the gene PAH, found on chromosome 12.

-Seizures

-Tremors(Shaking/ Trembling)

-Bad Breath (breath, skin, or Urine)

-Skin conditions (eczema)

-Stunted (slow/ troubled) growth

Symptoms:

Do People with PKU have Diets?

Yes, their diet is no....

• red meat
• chicken
• fish
• eggs
• dairy
• nuts
• legumes ( peas, beans, ect.)

All of the above are too high in protein for people have phenylketonuria.

The percentage of PKU in the U.S.:

In the U.S., 10,000- 15,000 newborns are born with PKU. Although, 9,000- 52,000 people in the WORLD are affected by PKU.

The nurse/doctor takes a blood test from the heel of the heel of the babies foot and use it for the PKU test. The test will determine whether the baby has the enzymes needed.

How are babies tested for PKU?

Can mothers breastfeed with this circumstance?

Yes, and it's encouraged because the baby is getting healthier milk from breastfeeding. This is because it has lower levels of PKU than the formula milk at the market does.